Dubai Islands via the Abra

Route overview

Suits riders of any level able to cover 95 km, since the total climbing is just 143 m.

A flat 95.2 km loop from Dubai out to Palm Deira and the Dubai Islands, returning across the creek by abra and back along the Jumeirah coast.

The loop starts in Al Thanyah 1 and runs inland through Al Barsha before threading the Al Quoz industrial blocks between 9 km and 17 km. From there it passes Business Bay, the Burj Khalifa district and Trade Centre, dropping to the lowest point of the route at -7 m near km 28.8 around Oud Metha and Al Kifaf. The middle section crosses the old city: Al Souq Al Kabeer, Al Ras and Al Buteen, then Deira at about km 36.7. Palm Deira and the Dubai Islands follow from km 41.5, with the turn along Corniche Deira at km 49.7 leading to the abra crossing back to Al Shindagha at km 53.1. The return leg runs south-west past Dubai Maritime City, Al Hudaiba and the Jumeirah suburbs, then the Umm Suqeim districts and Al Sufouh 1 at km 73.8. Beyond Emirates Hills and Dubai Marina the route reaches its high point of just 19 m at km 85.6 before closing through Al Thanyah 3 and Al Sufouh 2. Total climbing is only 143 m, with 40% of it in the first half.

Highlights

• Abra crossing of the creek at Al Shindagha, km 53.1
• Palm Deira and the Dubai Islands from km 41.5
• Old Deira: Al Ras, Al Buteen and Al Souq Al Kabeer
• Coastal return through Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim

Practical information

Surface

Paved

Route shape

Loop

Riding time

3½–5 hours riding

Season

The single recording is from June at 34°C, so cooler months are likely to be more comfortable.

Know before you go

• 34°C recorded in June - start early and carry water
• No cafés or restaurants listed after km 17.3
• Route depends on the abra crossing at km 53.1
• Lowest point is -7 m at km 28.8, below sea level

Routes are for inspiration. Roads, surfaces and conditions change — check locally and ride within your limits.